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Relief Drivers x8

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Director General (Harare)

A Harare man who had been arrested as a theft suspect later developed urinary problems after he was allegedly assaulted by Criminal Investigations Department (CID) detectives while he was in their custody.
As reported by <a href="https://www.zimlive.com/cops-bash-theft-suspect-victim-develops-urinary-problems/">ZimLive</a>, the complainant who has not been named in court papers, filed an assault report against the detectives claiming the abuse caused him some problems with his urinary system. He claimed he often passes blood in his urine following the assault.
The accused are Criminal Investigations Department (CID) detectives, Wellington Kurai Mlambo (43), and Gracious Selemani, (35), both stationed at Braeside police in Harare.
Mlambo and Selemani appeared before Harare magistrate Ruth Moyo who granted them US$100 bail each.
The two are also facing another charge of criminal abuse of office as public officers.
They will be back in court on 18 March for their routine remand.
Their two accomplices only identified as Wagoneka and Chidhakwa are still on the run.
According to court papers, the four came across the complainant in Mbare and accused him of receiving stolen property.
The complainant denied the allegations before the officers took him to the station while assaulting him, forcing him to admit the allegations. Reads the court papers:
<blockquote>
The accused demanded money for the release of the complainant and he advised them that he had US$150 at home.
The complainant’s brother, Isaac Mutsura was assigned to wait with the money at Mbare Musika Taxi Rank.
</blockquote>
It is further alleged that at around noon, the four escorted the complainant to the taxi rank and met Mutsura.
Upon arrival, they ordered him to get into their vehicle and handcuffed him together with the complainant.
The officers also alleged that Mutsura was a receiver of stolen property.
The complainant later handed over US$150 to Selemani, but after getting the bribe, the four then demanded a US$15 fine, claiming that it was for failure to maintain a second-hand goods register.
The State further alleges that after agreeing that the police officers would take the US$15 from the US$150, the four then agreed to let the complainant and his brother free.
The complainant discovered that he was injured in his privates after he left the police station.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

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Victim Of Police Brutality Develops Urinary Problems

The Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) has condemned the police for setting dogs at protesting learners from St Faith’s High School in Rusape, Makoni District in Manicaland Province, and described the incident as unacceptable and inhumane.
Learners at the Anglican church-run school were protesting authorities’ decision to impose a US$600 mission fund on each student starting this term when police officers unleashed their dogs last Wednesday.
In a short video clip of the incident, which went viral on social media, learners were seen scampering for safety after one of the learners was mauled by the canine.
Reacting to the incident, ARTUZ criticised the police as well as school authorities for the way they handled the demonstration. It said:
<blockquote>
The authorities went even further by hiring the Zimbabwe Republic Police, who deployed police dogs to attack innocent souls.
This is nothing short of a crime scene and a grave violation of human rights. The authorities’ response to this demonstration was inhumane and unacceptable.
</blockquote>
ARTUZ demanded a thourough investigation into the incident and to ensure those responsible for the mayhem are held accountable. It said:
<blockquote>
We strongly condemn the reprehensible actions of the authorities at St Faiths Mission School and the State, who unleashed dogs on peacefully demonstrating school children for their right to education.
This incident is a clear reflection of bad economic management and highlights the need for the government to take immediate action to address the deteriorating state of the economy.
We call on the government to investigate this incident thoroughly, hold those responsible accountable, and take immediate steps to address the economic mismanagement that has led to such dire circumstances.
It is the government’s duty to protect its citizens and ensure their well-being, and failure to do so demonstrates a dereliction of responsibility.
</blockquote>
On Thursday, the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education issued a statement saying normalcy had returned to the school.
Tension had been building up at the school for weeks and last week an Anglican priest allegedly assaulted a man with a disability who was seeking an audience with the school administration.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Rural Teachers Slam Police For Setting Dogs On Learners

Amnesty International Zimbabwe has condemned Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) officers’ conduct during a demonstration by St Faith High School learners on Wednesday, 14 February.
At least 800 learners from St Faith’s Mission School marched for close to 13km to the Rusape Education District Office demonstrating against their school’s responsible authority the Anglican Diocese of Manicaland.
One of the police officers who was deployed to control the situation then unleashed a dog on the learners, sending the children scampering for safety.
In a post on X, Amnesty International Zimbabwe highlighted that peaceful protest is a human right and urged authorities to respect, facilitate and protect this right. It said:
<blockquote>
We strongly condemn [Zimbabwe Republic Police] conduct at St Faith High in Rusape today, where a police officer set a dog on learners who were protesting against a US$600 fee hike. Peaceful protest is a human right. Authorities must respect, facilitate and protect this right.
</blockquote>
The protest by learners followed a stand-off between the church, the school authorities and parents over the payment of a US$600 mission fund.
After holding an interactive session with Makoni District Acting Schools Inspector, Mr Tambama and Mr Mukorera from the Public Service Commission, the St Faith’s High learners were then addressed by their school head Arnold Makamba at Makoni District Education offices in Rusape.
It is not yet clear why police details unleashed dogs on schoolchildren and also the extent of the injuries suffered by the learners.
The ZRP has since released a statement saying it is conducting a full inquiry into the incident and that full details about the incident will be released once investigations are completed.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Amnesty International Condemns Zimbabwe Police Brutality During St Faith High Students' March

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) said that it has launched a full investigation into the tragic death of a 26-year-old Banket man inside police holding cells.
David Kanyenze died after he was reportedly assaulted viciously by three unnamed special constabulary details, commonly known as Neighbourhood Watch Committee (NWCs) members.
ZRP national spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi told <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/police-brutality-victims-body-awaits-postmortem-we-wont-sweep-anything-under-the-carpet-says-zrp/">NewZimbabwe.com</a> that Kanyenze’s death is currently under investigation. He said:
<blockquote>
There are a number of issues we need to clarify as ZRP command… It’s a matter we are currently investigating as we await postmortem results which will also guide our investigations.
But l can assure you, it is an issue we are seriously looking into so that we really establish what transpired, from the arrests, we are looking at all the events leading to the unfortunate death.
We will not sweep anything under the carpet. We will be very open and objective in our investigations, that l want to assure the public.
</blockquote>
A postmortem by a pathologist is expected to be conducted in Harare on 09 November at the earliest.
However, the now deceased’s elder brother, Brian Kanyenze, told NewZimbabwe.com that as a family, they are worried that ZRP might distort the true account of events to protect its members. He said:
<blockquote>
As l was trying to report a murder case at Banket Police Station, l overheard some police officers conniving to distort the true version of how things went by, including lying that my brother was intoxicated.
We don’t think this matter will be handled competently and fairly as already there are indicators no one within ZRP really wants to take the blame, but they prefer to protect one another.
</blockquote>
Kanyenze, who was a tout for pirate taxis plying the Banket—Chinhoyi route, was arrested on allegations of malicious damage to property but later escaped from lawful custody.
He was re-arrested on Friday last week by members of the Neighbourhood Watch Committee who took him to Banket Police Station where they assaulted him and stomped on his neck and chest before leaving him bloodied and in agony.
Other cell inmates reportedly raised alarm after sensing Kanyenze was having difficulties in breathing.
He was then ferried to Banket District Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Police Brutality Victim’s Body Awaits Postmortem

Three members of the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) special constabulary allegedly fatally assaulted a suspect to death inside holding cells at Banket Police Station.
<a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/police-brutality-exposed-after-suspect-is-tortured-dies-in-custody/">NewZimbabwe.com</a> reported sources as saying that the three ZRP Neighbourhood Watch Committee (NWC) members in question took turns to beat up David Kanyenze (26) on Friday last week using unidentified objects.
One of the constabularies allegedly stomped the suspect twice on the neck, thereby choking him.
The now-deceased’s older brother, Brian Kanyenze, expressed anger and grief over his sibling’s death. He said:
<blockquote>
I am deeply hurt. Even if he was a vagabond, he didn’t deserve to die in this manner. He was young, aged only 26, and at that age to err is expected he could have gone to jail for his offense and come out a reformed person.
As relatives, we were never informed about our brother’s arrest, assault and later admission to hospital.
We demand justice against the killers because we are fully aware of attempts to cover up the murder.
</blockquote>
The now deceased was a tout for pirate taxis plying the Banket—Chinhoyi route.
It is said that he was wanted by police for malicious damage to property after allegedly destroying a weighing scale at a butchery at Kuwadzana shopping centre in Banket.
The butchery equipment was damaged more than three weeks ago in an altercation between workers at an adjacent canteen and Kanyenze.
Kanyenze had allegedly refused to pay for food complaining it was poorly cooked.
He was subsequently arrested and taken to Banket Police Station where he was thrown into cells but later escaped from lawful custody.
Kanyeze was rearrested on Friday last week at Kuwadzana shops by NWC members and, again, taken to the station, where they started beating him up around 5 PM.
After viciously assaulting the victim, the constabularies abandoned him in the cell battling for his life.
Other cell inmates reportedly raised alarm after sensing Kanyenze was having difficulties in breathing.
He was then ferried to Banket District Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Kanyenze’s relatives reportedly blocked the police from opening a sudden death docket (SDD) in a bid to conceal the murder.
His relatives have demanded a full investigation into the suspected gruesome killing.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Victim Of Police Brutality Dies In Custody

Police reportedly arrested eight CCC Chiredzi members at Tshovani Stadium on Wednesday where the opposition party’s leader, Nelson Chamisa, was scheduled to conduct a campaign rally.
According to <a href="https://changeradiozimbabwe.com/2023/07/05/eight-ccc-chiredzi-members-arrested-at-tshovani-stadium/">Change Radio</a>, eight CCC members (one female and seven males) were taken to Chiredzi Police Station where they were detained.
The eight are Farai Chauke, Kudzanai Madyira, Charles Mungati, Gladmore Gunguwo, Shonhai Mollen, Loyd Mucharu, Agrippa Dhambureni, and Simon Hlomani.
Commenting on the ban on the CCC rally, Chiredzi Mugwazo cluster leader, one Mugidho, said:
<blockquote>
We are highly disappointed by police brutality and the reason for stopping our Presidential rally. ZANU PF is campaigning without any police disruptions.
</blockquote>
Human rights lawyer Advocate Martin Mureri was tasked with assisting the CCC members in securing their freedom.
CCC Chiredzi Central’s aspiring member of parliament, Ropafadzo Makumire, condemned the arrest of CCC members saying they did not provoke the police. He said:
<blockquote>
The arrest of our peaceful and law-abiding CCC members breaches citizens’ bill of rights, particularly the rights to peaceful assembly, freedom of expression, as well as political participation…
Asthmatic residents have been greatly affected. A child from the community has been hospitalized because of tear gas exposure.
Even those who were not part of the rally suffered from the careless behavior of the police.
</blockquote>
Police officers fired tear gas to disperse CCC members who had gathered at Tshovani stadium for Chamisa’s rally.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Eight CCC Members In Chiredzi Arrested After Rally Ban

A man from Cowdray Park suburb in Bulawayo has been hospitalised at Mpilo Central Hospital after he was shot in the thigh by police officers who were chasing an armed robbery suspect.
An eyewitness, Tedious Masina, told <a href="https://cite.org.zw/man-sustains-injuries-in-police-shooting/">CITE</a> that Nkazimulo Ndimande was injured by a stray bullet from shots that were being fired by the police officers on Friday around 8 PM. Said Masina:
<blockquote>
It was around 8 PM. We were inside the barbershop when there was a commotion outside.
We heard a gunshot, and then a second one followed shortly after. People were running all over and screaming.
A total of four shots were fired during the incident.
Ndimande then went outside to see what was happening. A third shot was fired. He came back inside and that was when I saw that he had been shot in the thigh.
I tied him with a cable of one of my scissors and called an ambulance.
</blockquote>
Masina said as they waited for the ambulance to arrive, he saw some police officers going to their cars that were parked adjacent to the barbershop. He said:
<blockquote>
I saw the cops approaching their cars. They had two of them, a white Toyota Fortuner and a Honda Fit. I called them and told them they had shot my friend.
They carried him into the Fortuner and took us to Bulawayo West Hospital, a surgery that is at the (Cowdray Park) terminus.
They told us they were from Homicide. They then called other officers from Cowdray Park police base and they came to the surgery.
They are the ones who paid all the bills for the expenses incurred. The ambulance later arrived and took Ndimande to Mpilo.
When we got to Mpilo, we saw different police officers from the ones we had initially interacted with.
They ordered us to leave the room. They had a big book with them. When they came to us they said Ndimande was on their wanted list for a case of armed robbery.
They had already cuffed him to the bed and left one officer to guard him. What we could not understand was how they came to that conclusion.
Ndimande is not someone who is of such behaviour. We know him and he cannot be associated with armed robbery.
</blockquote>
Ndimande’s sibling said they were shocked as a family to see him handcuffed and to hear that he was an armed robber.
Meanwhile, in a statement, ZRP spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said Ndimande was part of a four-man gang that was being chased for armed robbery.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Man Accidentally Shot By Cops, Later Arrested In Hospital For Armed Robbery

A 38-year-old man from Sojini, Mbembesi was shot in the left shoulder by a police officer last week.
The shooting incident reportedly occurred at the Mbembesi Police Station’s canteen after a fight erupted among revellers who were regular patrons.
The victim, Raymond Mkhomaza, is currently admitted at United Bulawayo Hospital (UBH) where he is receiving treatment.
Speaking to CITE’s <a href="https://cite.org.zw/man-shot-by-cop-at-mbembesi-police-station-canteen/">Senzeni Ncube</a> on Friday, Mkhomaza said the bullet was still lodged inside his body. He said:
<blockquote>
The incident occurred on Sunday around 5 am. We were drinking at the police canteen, we usually drink there as villagers and commotion erupted and we started fighting as patrons.
The police on duty came carrying a gun and headed straight to me as I was also fighting and in that commotion he pushed me, making me turn and he shot me.
I went to the charge office to report that I have been shot. I have spent six days here and the bullet is still inside.
I still have to go for an X-ray as the doctor said the bullet missed my heart, and I have a lot of air inside.
</blockquote>
Matabeleland North Provincial Police Spokesperson Inspector Glory Banda confirmed the incident to CITE but said the victim was part of a group that was deemed a threat as they were armed with “offensive weapons”. Said Banda:
<blockquote>
It happened in Mbembesi of course, I know the story. It’s been a while since it happened, it is not a new thing.
What happened was that these guys were found in the early morning hours at Mbembesi police canteen, they were holding some knobkerries and other offensive weapons.
Whatever they were carrying suggested that they were up to some evil because there is a history of theft at the canteen.
When they were asked what they were doing, they said “we are not afraid of your gun” and started advancing towards the policeman.
</blockquote>
Banda said the policeman fired two warning shots but the men continued advancing towards him. He said:
<blockquote>
The policeman had no option, then the other man was shot in the shoulder.
The next morning, the man who was shot in the shoulder showed up at the police station, saying he sustained an injury and was arrested.
</blockquote>
Insp. Banda denied claims that Mkhomaza was drinking with other patrons when he was shot. He said:
<blockquote>
That was not the time to drink and drinking has nothing to do with carrying knobkerries. You don’t need a knobkerrie to drink, you only need your money.
You don’t need weapons if you are about to drink, and if you are drinking it doesn’t mean you advance towards the policeman and try to attack him.
That incident has nothing to do with drinking.
</blockquote>
Police have in the past banned the carrying of dangerous weapons that include catapults, machetes, axes, knobkerries, swords, knives, or daggers in order to curb violent crime.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Man Shot By A Police Officer At Mbembesi Police Station Canteen

The family of a Bulawayo man who was shot dead by a senior police officer on 01 January 2007 has revived its quest for justice.
The victim, Artwell Magagada, was employed as a cashier at Chicken Inn along Leopold Takawira Avenue and had just knocked off from work on the day he was shot by Superintendent Milos Moyo.
Superintendent Moyo, then the officer commanding police camps in Bulawayo and stationed at ZRP Stops Camp, was charged with culpable homicide following the fatal shooting.
His trial started three years later in 2010. He pleaded not guilty to the murder of Artwell before Bulawayo High Court judge Justice Nicholas Mathonsi.
Artwell’s brother, Charles Magagada on Wednesday told Sunday <a href="https://newsday.co.zw/southerneye/local-news/article/200007335/police-shooting-victims-family-seeks-justice">Southern Eye</a> that the family was not happy with the way his brother’s case was handled by authorities. He said:
<blockquote>
He was tragically shot dead and we received no apology from the accused, who was even found guilty by our courts.
To add salt to the wound, the top cop was fined US$500 sometime in 2010 and we got nothing.
While we believe he had no intention to kill my brother, just a word of apology could have gone a long way in appeasing us but absolutely no apology came.
Secondly, we thought government, since he’s their employee who caused the death of our departed brother, would institute some compensation, but there was no concern on their part.
As a family, we want justice for our brother.
</blockquote>
Prosecutors said on 1 January 2007, Supt Moyo discharged his service firearm at a crowd of revellers who were celebrating New Year’s Day at Chicken Inn.
One of the bullets from Moyo’s Smith and Wesson CZ pistol allegedly hit Magagada in the head.
Magagada died after spending four days on a life support system at Mater Dei Hospital, with the bullet still lodged in his head.
In his defence, Moyo, who was represented by Tanaka Muganyi, denied the possibility of his gunshots having injured Artwell.
He claimed that the deceased was not in his line of fire, adding that his gunshots were aimed at the wheels of a South African Isuzu truck.
Moyo alleged that he observed the driver of the truck pulling out a black pistol and cocking it.
In 2008, the Magagada family with the help of Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights sued then Home Affairs minister Kembo Mohadi and Police Commissioner-General Augustine Chihuri over Artwell’s death.
The Magagada family was demanding ZWL$$20 billion in damages, but the case collapsed.

Family Of Chicken Inn Cashier Shot Dead By Top Cop Seeks Justice

Zimbabwe has been ranked as one of the worst-governed countries in Africa by the Mo Ibrahim Foundation. 
The organisation claimed that Zimbabwe was failing to advance political diversity, a free civil society, and free and fair elections, according to <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200006648/zim-ranks-lowly-on-good-governance">NewsDay</a>.
Zimbabwe is ranked 29th out of 55 nations in the just published 2022 Ibrahim Index of African Governance (IIAG), which measures how well each nation is run.
The only country in the SADC region ranked lower than Zimbabwe is the Kingdom of Eswatini, which is ranked 35.
Botswana sits at number five, South Africa at number six, Zambia 24 and Mozambique sits at number 26.
Zimbabwe scored badly on political and civil liberties where it was given the following scores:
<blockquote>
a). 12.5% on freedom of association, 
b). 26.9% on political pluralism, 
c). 14.1% on civil society space and 
d). 31.3% on democratic elections.
</blockquote>
On a positive note, Zimbabwe scored 100% in terms of laws that protect women from violence.
The 2022 IIAG showed that governance in Africa has stagnated since 2019 due to democratic backsliding, climate change, insecurity and the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Mo Ibrahim Foundation said the stagnation posed a serious threat to the continent’s decades of progress.
The research comes barely a month after the Zimbabwe Democracy Institute released another report showing a shrinking democratic space in the post-Robert Mugabe era.
<h2><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h2>

Zimbabwe Ranked Among The Worst-Governed Countries In Africa

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has refuted reports claiming that lawyer Kudzayi Kadzere was assaulted by police officers whilst attending to some members of the opposition CCC who were arrested and detained at Budiriro 2 Police Station on Saturday, 14 January 2023.
In a statement, ZRP national spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said Kadzere jumped off a moving police vehicle and sustained injuries. Reads the statement:
<blockquote>
<h2>CLARITY BY THE ZIMBABWE REPUBLIC POLICE ON ALLEGATIONS OF ASSAULT ON LAWYER, KUDZAYI KADZERE</h2>
The Zimbabwe Republic Police wishes to set the record straight and clarify the exact position with regards to allegations of assault on lawyer, Kudzayi Kadzere by police officers.
It is a fact that the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC)’s Costa Machingauta convened an unsanctioned gathering at house number 9293 Mvumba Crescent, Budiriro 5A, Harare.
The local Zimbabwe Republic Police station received information and reacted to the scene.
Police Officers observed that nearly 500 supporters had gathered for the meeting clad in their party regalia.
The supporters had blocked Mvumba Crescent, Dehwe Road, Magodo Road and Budiriro OK Rank.
This affected the movement of motorists and other members of the public who wanted to pass through.
The police officers engaged Costa Machingauta to disperse the supporters. 
However, there was open resistance, with supporters chanting obscene and derogatory songs to the police officers.
In the process, the CCC youths went on to damage the doors of a certain house as they resisted arrest and allegedly stole a cellphone.
Twenty-four supporters were arrested. Costa Machingauta escaped arrest and later on handed himself to the police on 18th January 2023.
Suddenly Kudzayi Kadzere appeared on the scene in a private vehicle and clashed with the Police Reaction Group members who were taking the suspects to Budiriro Police Station.
Kudzayi Kadzere was then arrested for contravening section 46 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act, Chapter 9:23. He was then put in the police truck.
In a bid to resist arrest, Kudzayi Kadzere jumped off the police truck. He sustained an injury on the right hand.
Police officers rearrested Kudzayi Kadzere and took him to Budiriro Police Station.
On arrival at the police station Kudzayi Kadzere openly declined to lodge a report against police officers.
He insisted that he was not assaulted by the police officers during the misunderstanding. Kadzere was then released to seek medical attention.
On the 15th of January 2023, Kudzayi Kadzere came back to Budiriro Police Station and had his warned and cautioned statement recorded.
On 17th January 2023, Kudzayi Kadzere changed his mind. He made a report of assault and theft at Budiriro Police Station.
This is despite the fact that he had initially declined to make a police report on the 14th of January 2023. The case is now under investigation.
It is clear that the information given to CCC members and later posted on social media platforms is tailor-made to suit a certain agenda whilst ignoring the real facts on the ground.
Kudzayi Kadzere knows the truth about what actually transpired between him and the police officers.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police has engaged Kudzayi Kadzere from 14th January 2023 up to the time he decided to change his mind.
The public should take note that, what Kudzayi Kadzere said to the police and the information which he is allegedly giving to the media, his peers and CCC leadership are not consistent.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police reaffirms its readiness to interact and engage members of the legal fraternity in an open and transparent manner without facts being twisted to suit various agendas.
</blockquote>

Zimbabwe Police Deny Assaulting Lawyer, Say He Jumped Off Moving Vehicle

The SADC Lawyers Association (SADC-LA) has condemned the brutal assault of Zimbabwe lawyer Kudzai Kadzere by police officers on Saturday, 14 January.
Kadzere was assaulted by the police in Harare while attending to Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) organising secretary Amos Chibaya and some 24 party activists who had earlier been arrested for holding an unsanctioned meeting in Budiriro.
In a statement signed by SADC-LA CEO Stanley Nyamanhindi, the lawyers urged the Zimbabwean government to ensure that the rights of citizens are upheld at all times. Reads the statement:
<blockquote>
1. SADC-LA deeply regrets and strongly condemns the attack on lawyer Mr Kudzai Kadzere in Harare, Zimbabwe by members of the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) on the 14th of January 2023.
2. On the said date, Mr Kadzere was representing his clients who are members of a political party in Zimbabwe and he was acting within the scope of his mandate as a licenced legal practitioner of the courts of Zimbabwe. The right to legal representation is guaranteed in the constitution of Zimbabwe.
3. The perpetration of violence by police on an unarmed civilian acting in a professional capacity to uphold the constitutional rights of other citizens presents the highest level of disregard for the rule of law.
4. SADC-LA implores the Government of Zimbabwe and the responsible Ministers to swiftly ensure the protection of lawyers and other key stakeholders such as journalists in the discharge of their mandate. Further, to hold to account those responsible for the unsanctioned violation of Mr Kadzere and his clients’ constitutionally enshrined rights.
5. The acute escalation of violence in a period shortly preceding a crucial election for Zimbabwe warrants deep concern. SADC-LA calls on SADC and the AU to provide swift and adequate support to the Government of Zimbabwe, and relevant stakeholders to ensure a neutral environment for the enforcement and enjoyment of all human rights.
6. This is in accordance with the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance (ACDEG), the UN Basic Principles on the Role of Lawyers as well as Zimbabwe’s own constitution.
</blockquote>

SADC Lawyers Association Condemn Assault Of Human Rights Lawyer By Police In Harare

A police officer based in Bulawayo on Monday shot and killed an unarmed man who was a suspect in a domestic violence case.
The man, Thembani Dube, was fleeing from the police when he was shot in the back of the head.
The incident took place in Bulawayo’s Phelandaba West suburb around 4 PM.
<a href="https://cite.org.zw/police-fatally-shoot-unarmed-fleeing-man-in-the-head/">CITE</a> reported eyewitnesses as saying the now-deceased had an altercation with his wife who resides in Cowdray Park.
The woman reported the matter to the police and the police tracked down Dube to Phelandaba West where he was said to be visiting a friend intending to arrest him.
Assistant Inspector Zimbeva, who was armed, attempted to arrest Dube but he reportedly fled.
Zimbeva then reportedly opened fire and shot Dube in the back of his head.
Eyewitnesses said Dube staggered a few metres and collapsed next to a pile of bricks at a house under construction.
An ambulance was immediately summoned and Dube was pronounced dead at the scene.
ZRP national spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the incident saying investigations were underway. He said:
<blockquote>
We are conducting investigations into the incident. We are told he was trying to effect an arrest then suddenly there was a shootout.
That is why I am saying we are conducting investigations with a view to finding the full circumstances behind the unfortunate incident.
</blockquote>

Unarmed Domestic Violence Suspect Shot Dead While Fleeing Arrest

A teenager from Chitungwiza has sued ZRP Commissioner-General Godwin Matanga and Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage minister Kazembe Kazembe for damages amounting to US$15 000 after he was shot and injured by police officers who were pursuing a robbery suspect.
Tashinga Mugwara (19) was accidentally shot at a fuel station at Taita Shops in Chitungwiza by police officers on 27 June.
The bullet went through his lower body, resulting in his suffering severe abdominal injuries.
Mugwara’s lawyer, Tinashe Chinopfukutwa from the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) submitted:
<blockquote>
Mugwara will potentially suffer from adhesive bowel obstruction in future as a result of the injuries he sustained owing to the unwarranted shooting by ZRP officers.
… Mugwara was unarmed and had not threatened the law enforcement agents in any way which justified their resort to severe force.
Chinopfukutwa said Mugwara suffered damages amounting to US$5 000 for pain and suffering, US$5 000 for contumelia and affront to dignity as well as US$5 000 for future medical expenses.
</blockquote>
Mugwara is also claiming payment of US$183 and $24 351 for medical expenses which he incurred following the shooting. | <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/thestandard/local-news/article/200002070/police-shooting-victim-sues-matanga">The Standard</a>

Police Shooting Victim Demands US$15 000 Compensation

A Zimbabwean national was violently assaulted by South African police officers near Hammanskraal, north of Pretoria recently.
A video of the incident has been shared by Yusuf Abramjee on the microblogging site Twitter.
The brutal assault elicited contrasting responses, with some commentators saying Abramjee should have provided the context, while others applauded the South African police for upholding the rule of law.
<a href="https://twitter.com/Abramjee/status/1435156299860385794?s=20">Watch the video below:</a>
<div class="wp-video" style="width: 232px;">
<video class="wp-video-shortcode" controls="controls" height="424" id="video-213972-1" preload="metadata" width="232"><source src="https://t792ae.c2.acecdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/South-African-police-assault-Zimbabwean-man.mp4?_=1" type="video/mp4"/><a href="https://t792ae.c2.acecdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/South-African-police-assault-Zimbabwean-man.mp4">https://t792ae.c2.acecdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/South-African-police-assault-Zimbabwean-man.mp4</a></video></div>
<h4>More: <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h4>

WATCH: Zimbabwean Man Brutally Assaulted By Cops In South Africa

A woman whose baby was reportedly struck dead by a baton-wielding police officer in Harare early this month has finally broken her silence about the incident.
In a Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation Television (ZBCtv) broadcast aired on Tuesday night, the woman was identified as Rebecca Musariri.
In a video clip extracted from the ZBCtv broadcast, the woman says she is fine and the baby is fine too. Musariri added that the baby was not hit with a baton by a police officer but some glass fragments from a vehicle fell onto the child.
The video that went viral early this year shows a woman tightly grabbing the neck of a uniformed police officer with one hand while the other holds onto a seemingly motionless baby, yelling at the officer that he had killed the child.
The video has since been used by authorities to clamp down on the opposition MDC Alliance, with the party’s spokesperson Fadzayi Mahere and vice-chairperson Job Sikhala, as well as freelance journalist Hopewell Chin’ono arrested and detained for allegedly sharing the video which was posted on social media by thousands of people.
Below is the video clip from the ZBCtv broadcast:
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<video class="wp-video-shortcode" controls="controls" height="352" id="video-193185-1" preload="metadata" width="640"><source src="https://t792ae.c2.acecdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/ZBC.mp4?_=1" type="video/mp4"/><a href="https://t792ae.c2.acecdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/ZBC.mp4">https://t792ae.c2.acecdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/ZBC.mp4</a></video></div>
Some commentators have, however, cast doubt on the identity of the woman, with some arguing that the person interviewed by ZBCtv is not the woman who alleged that a police officer had killed her baby in the video that went viral. Renowned journalist <a href="https://twitter.com/zenzele/status/1349096932275343361" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Zenzele Ndebele tweeted</a>:
<blockquote>Video was edited on 0.49 sec. Something is missing where she is narrating about nyaya yakaitika then it’s joined 0:51 when she says…irikufamba pasocial media.</blockquote>

Watch: Woman Whose Baby Was 'Fatally Struck' By Police Baton Speaks

<blockquote>A ZIMBABWEAN court on Friday 17 January 2020 acquitted Doubt Asima, a freelance journalist, who had been on trial on charges of committing public violence after he was arrested when he tried to rescue an elderly woman, who had been assaulted by some <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Zimbabwe_Republic_Police" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP)</a> officers during an anti-government protest held in August last year.
Asima, a 29-year-old freelance journalist had been on trial after he was arrested on Friday 16 August 2019 and charged with participating in a gathering with intent to promote public violence, breaches of peace or bigotry as defined in section 37(1)(a) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act.
During the trial before Harare Magistrate Richard Ramaboea, prosecutors claimed that Asima and his co-accused Fabian Mushunga, aged 29 years, forcibly disturbed the peace, security, or order of the public by participating in a public demonstration held on Friday 16 August 2019 in Harare.
Prosecutors claimed that Asima and Mushunga, who were represented by Jeremiah Bamu and Tinomuda Shoko of <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Zimbabwe_Lawyers_for_Human_Rights" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights</a>, allegedly engaged in acts of public violence by barricading some streets in central Harare with stones and boulders and also threw stones at some police officers thereby disturbing the free movement of members of the public and some vehicles.
In his defence, Asima argued that his arrest and prosecution stems from malice and was a result of a desire by ZRP officers to conceal evidence of their wanton assaults and brutality against innocent citizens as one of them had approached and ordered him to stop taking photographs.
The freelance journalist stated that as a journalist, he was acting in the scope of his professional trade, gathering newsworthy photographs and he took pictures of some ZRP officers assaulting civilians at Africa Unity Square in Harare.
Asima said he noticed an elderly woman who had fallen down in the resultant stampede and rendered her assistance before continuing with his job. It was at this point that police officers approached him and ordered him to delete the photographs he was taking.
However, when Asima refused to delete the photographs, he was immediately arrested by ZRP officers and his protestations that he was a photo-journalist accredited by <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Zimbabwe_Media_Commission" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Zimbabwe Media Commission</a> was not entertained by the law enforcement agents.
In his defence, Mushunga said he was arrested by ZRP officers when he was on his way to his place of residence in Cranborne suburb after collecting various mobile phone handsets from her relative in Belvedere suburb for repair.
Mushunga said he had no knowledge of any demonstration scheduled for Friday 16 August 2019 and was subjected to a stop and seizure by ZRP officers who asked him to produce his national identity document, which he did not have on person.
Thereafter, Mushunga was asked to sit down as he had no copy of his national identity document on person and was bundled into a police truck with other persons whom he did not know and taken to Harare Central Police Station, where he was subsequently advised of his charge.
On Friday 17 January 2020, Magistrate Ramaboea acquitted Asima and Mushunga after granting their application for discharge at the close of the prosecution case, which had been lodged by their lawyers, who had argued that their clients had not committed any offence and must not be put to their defence.
ENDS
Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights</blockquote>

Good Samaritan Photo-journalist Acquitted Of Public Violence Charges {Full Text}

The video shows police in smashing cars with batons and beating pedestrians at the <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Ximex_Mall">Ximex Mall</a> spot in Harare. The spot is known for being home to dealers in gadgets and forex. According to the person that apparently took the footage, this incident happened on Saturday – presumably the 24th of August 2019.
It is not clear yet why the police descended on the place.
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<video class="wp-video-shortcode" controls="controls" height="640" id="video-123706-1" preload="metadata" width="352"><source src="https://t792ae.c2.acecdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Ximex-Police-Smash-Cars-August-2019.mp4?_=1" type="video/mp4"/><a href="https://t792ae.c2.acecdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Ximex-Police-Smash-Cars-August-2019.mp4">https://t792ae.c2.acecdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Ximex-Police-Smash-Cars-August-2019.mp4</a></video></div>

WATCH: Police Beat People, Smash Cars at Ximex In Harare

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An undated video of a man being brutalised by the police has emerged and is circulating on social media. It’s not clear when the video was shot and what had caused the incident.
What is clear however is that the video was shot in Zimbabwe as the people in the video, both the police and the victim, are both speaking in the vernacular Shona.

WATCH: Undated Video Of Man Being Beaten By Police Emerges

Junior police officers have revealed that they are obliged to follow orders from their superiors without question even if it entails brutality against civilians.
A police officer who spoke to NewZimbabwe.com on condition of anonymity had this to say:
<blockquote>The challenge is that operational orders are not given by junior men.
We act on orders from our superiors who are very clear as to how to handle civilians in demonstrations and usually we are ordered to use force.
We are trained to follow orders without question, failure of which you are charged with insubordination or undermining authority.
If they are going to arrest me for following an order, is it not logical that they arrest the originator of that order who put the lives of innocent civilians at risk. Our seniors should also face the music.</blockquote>
<h4>Related:</h4>
<ul>
<li class="entry-title">
<h4><a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2019/01/30/sky-news-reporter-john-sparks-sets-record-straight-on-video-of-police-officer-beating-handcuffed-person/">Sky News Reporter John Sparks Sets Record Straight On Video Of Police Officer Beating Handcuffed Person</a></h4>
</li>
</ul>
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/under-fire-police-juniors-blame-superiors-for-ordering-civilian-abuses/">NewZimbabwe.com</a></h4>

Junior Police Officers Usually Ordered To Use Force Against Civilians By Superiors - Report

Police officer commanding Victoria Falls district Chief Superintendent Jairos Chiwona yesterday told a residents’ consultative meeting that they were not responsible for injuries sustained by Zibusiso Moyo (30) who suffered burns to her backside and private parts after being made to sit in the load box of a caustic soda-contaminated truck.
Chiwona also said that Moyo and her colleague Philile Dube, are expected to appear in court after they were arrested last week on accusations of loitering for purposes of prostitution. Said Chiwona:
<blockquote>Please be advised that, although it is true that Zibusiso Moyo and Philile Dube suffered burns at some stage before or after arrest, it is not true that the two were tortured by the police and it is not true that the arrest was illegal as both have pending criminal charges for which they are yet to appear in court.</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/2017/08/08/vic-falls-tortured-womans-case-takes-new-twist/">NewsDay</a>

Police deny torturing woman by making her sit in the load box of a caustic soda-contaminated truck

Six police officers appeared before Bulawayo Magistrate Ms Charity Maphosa for allegedly brutally assaulting a commuter omnibus owner, Malvin Ncube (26), while he was handcuffed after accusing him of touting at Egodini bus terminus in Bulawayo.
Prichard Moyo (27), Fortune Phiri (28), Jonathan Musonga (37), Stafford Ncube (26), Collen Sibanda (25) and Melody Ncube (29), who are all stationed at Bulawayo Central Police and are attached to the Crime Protection Unit (CPU), were not asked to plead to an assault charge when they appeared in court on Saturday and were remanded them out of custody to January 25.
Prosecuting, Mr Jeremiah Mutsindikwa said the police officers arrested Ncube at Egodini terminus at around 10AM sometime in May last year. They allegedly handcuffed him and led him to Bulawayo Central Police Station where they put an iron rod between his elbows and below his knees and started assaulting him several times with a sjambok. He was attacked on the buttocks and private parts with a sjambok while his mouth was stuffed with his t-shirt. He had to urinate through a tube for three weeks following the assault.
More: <a href="http://www.chronicle.co.zw/6-cops-up-for-battering-kombi-owner/">Chronicle</a>

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